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Venus Williams tops sister Serena to reach women’s Rogers Cup final

Serena Williams, left, of the United States congratulates her sister Venus after winning the semifinal 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 at the Rogers Cup tennis tournament Saturday August 9, 2014 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

MONTREAL — Venus Williams downed world No. 1 Serena Williams 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday for the first win over her sister in more than five years to advance to the final of the final of the US$2.44 million women’s Rogers Cup.

Venus Williams will player either Agnieszka Radwanska or Ekaterina Makarova in the final Sunday.

MONTREAL, QC – AUGUST 09: Venus Williams of the USA returns a shot to Serena Williams of the USA during the women’s semifinals match in the Rogers Cup at Uniprix Stadium on August 9, 2014 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The 34-year-old Venus Williams, who wasn’t seeded, hadn’t beat her 32-year-old sister in five matches going back to Dubai in 2009. Serena Williams still leads the all-time series 15-11.

Venus Williams started with a hot serve and took a 3-1 lead but the key game of the set came with Serena Williams serving at 3-3. The younger sister, who was the defending champion, hit six aces and two double faults before prevailing in an extended, back and forth battle.

Serena Williams of the United States yells out after losing a point to her sister Venus during semifinal play at the Rogers Cup tennis tournament Saturday August 9, 2014 in Montreal. Venus won 6-7, 6-2, 6-3. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

The second set was all Venus Williams, who had two service breaks while her sister struggled with unforced errors.

Serena Williams made two errors to lose her serve and give her sister a 4-2 lead before serving out the third set.

Serena Williams had 19 aces and nine double faults, while the more consistent Venus Williams had six aces and two doubles faults.